The Resurgence of the Cowboy

By Sophie Freckingham 

Saddle up the rodeo is coming to town, or in fact is already well and truly in town and shows no sign of leaving anytime soon. It is no secret that country style has been appearing in all areas of pop culture for the last couple of years. For example, the drama series Yellowstone, or the increased popularity of country singers such as Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan. It was almost inevitable that the country look would also reach fashion and become a huge trend.  

Maybe one of the biggest names to jump on the Western band wagon (pun intended) is Beyonce herself. Her latest album Cowboy Carter could not help but be noticed as a big comeback for the country genre in mainstream music. The album cover with Beyonce dressed from head to toe in a cowboy get-up, on horseback, holding an American flag definitely wasn't the most subtle nod to the country genre. Continuing her cowboy look most recently Beyonce has been seen as the face if the newest Levi campaign. The campaign sees her in a laundrette dressed in a pair of cowboy boots, cowboy hat and a pair of Levi jeans. A more subtle hint this time but definitely on theme. 

Cowboy Carter album cover 

When you think of cowboy boots what are the first thoughts that come to mind, I guarantee that for most people The Eras Tour is up there with one of the first thoughts. As Swifities from all over the world create their elaborate Eras Tour outfits the footwear of choice is the cowboy boot. The Eras tour has drastically increased the demand for the cowboy boot. Australian brand The Iconic reported a 219% increase in cowboy boot sales since December. As the tour of the decade of course it would have an impact on fashion trends but who knew it would bring back such a classic.  

Eras Tour Ready 

The cowboy trend even reached New York Fashion Week as Bella Hadid and professional cowboy boyfriend, Adam Banuelos, closed NYFW demonstrating their cowboy skills in Downtown Manhattan. Wherever you turn in fashion now you just cannot hide from the cowboy/western trend. Cowboys are taking over the whole fashion industry.  

Bella Hadid and Adam Banuelos at NYFW 

The cowboy trend may just seem like a bit of fun however, like all trends it will cause a lot of waste. Especially as the huge increase in demand for cowboy boots for an outfit you will wear once to a concert and then forgotten about or throw away. If you are wanting to take part in the cowboy trend, why not look second hand. A quick search on Depop showed 29,000 results for cowboy boots and 330,450 results for Levi jeans there are already so many items already out there to choose from without having to shop unsustainably.